News
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Iran, Pakistan role vital for regional peace: Bukhari* Senate chairman emphasises need for increasing trade
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, on Saturday, said that Iran and Pakistan could play an important part in establishing peace and stability in the region.
Bukhari said this during a meeting with Iran’s Parliament Speaker Dr Ali Larijani, a press release stated.
The Senate chairman referred to parliamentary relations between Pakistan and Iran and said, “We want to enhance these ties in all areas.”
He emphasised the need for increasing trade between the two counties and added that the present level of $1.3 billion trade was insufficient given the potentials of the two countries.
Referring to the scourge of terrorism being faced by Pakistan, the Senate chairman said, “Pakistan has paid a high price in its fight against extremism and terrorism as it has lost its dear leader Benazir Bhutto in a terrorist attack.”
He called for a close Pakistan-Iran cooperation in uprooting the menace from the region.
He said the Pakistani government and people would never allow anyone to use their territory for operations against any brotherly country.
Touching upon the significance of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the Senate chairman expressed the hope that it would be completed on time to help Pakistan overcome its energy shortage.
On the Afghanistan issue, Bukhari said that Pakistan believed in an Afghan-owned solution to the problem. He said trilateral cooperation among Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan were imperative in establishing durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Dr Larijani, in his remarks said that Iran and Pakistan enjoyed special relations embedded in their common culture and history and that Iran was keen to enhance economic relations with Pakistan in all areas.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk